The Hindu Business Line : Nippon Cargo to implement iCargo software

Announcing this at a press conference here on Monday, Mr V.K. Mathews, Chairman and Managing Director of the city-based IBS Software Services Pvt Ltd, said that NCA will be the first airline to implement the iCargo software solution. The airline plans to start using iCargo from the fourth quarter of 2007, said Mr Masaaki Kariya, General Manager, IT Strategy, NCA.

iCargo is a software solution that meets the needs of all players in the logistics chain, Mr Mathews explained. The product is an integrated software that will cater to all the requirements of a cargo carrying airline, including cargo reservations, capacity control, load planning, cargo terminal operations and so on.

Four airlines — Air New Zealand Cargo, Gulf Air, South African Airways Cargo and Qantas Freight — are working with IBS on the development of iCargo. These airlines, together with IBS, constitute what the company describes as the `core group of influence' (CGI). Asked whether airlines that form part of this group will implement iCargo, Mr Mathews replied that the four airlines have the "option to implement the solution, but not the obligation." However, he added that he expects all four airlines that are part of the CGI to buy the iCargo solution. In fact, South African Airways Cargo is expected to sign on as a customer this year itself, added Mr Murray Kidd, Vice-President, Cargo, IBS Software Services Pvt Ltd.